News Release from AASCU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2009-06-04

Contact: Jennifer Herrera (202) 467-4665

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2009 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI)
Institute, a program of the American Association of State Colleges and
Universities (AASCU), will be held June 6-9 in Washington, D.C.
Originally conceived by AASCU’s African-American presidents, MLI
encourages talented African-American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian and
Pacific Islanders, and women administrators to explore their career
goals and supports their advancement toward a college or university
presidency.

During the three-day MLI Institute, promising senior-level
administrators participate in a focused and rigorous leadership
development program led by an experienced faculty comprised of
presidents and chancellors and experts in: financial management;
accreditation; media relations; advancement and fundraising; executive
contract negotiation; and the executive search process. Protégés
experience both theoretical learning as well as practical, hands-on
training through media interviews, visits with representatives on
Capitol Hill and close interactions with presidents and chancellors.

AASCU President Constantine W. (Deno) Curris said, “MLI is an
especially significant program that increases the opportunity for those
from underrepresented populations to be prepared for university
presidencies as well as diversifying the pipeline for other leadership
positions in higher education.”

Around 30 protégés—all senior administrators in education, government
or the private sector—are accepted in the program each year.
Nominated for selection by presidents, chancellors and chief executive
officers, all applicants must possess a terminal or other degree
generally necessary for the ascendancy to a university presidency.

Since its inception in 1999, 308 individuals have graduated from
MLI, over a third have advanced significantly in their careers, and 42
graduates have become first-time presidents or chancellors.

AASCU is the leadership association of 430 public colleges and
universities Delivering America’s Promise through their common
commitments to access, affordability and educational
opportunity. Enrolling more than 3 million students, these institutions
fulfill the expectations of a public university by working for the
public good through education, stewardship and engagement, thereby
improving the lives of people in their community, their region and their
state.